An op-ed in today’s Winston-Salem Journal praises the brainstorm of “some level-headed legislators” known as HB 1050, or NC SAVE$ ENERGY. Note the dollar sign, but only as a warning to hold on to your wallet:
The program would be paid for initially by a small surcharge on utility bills that is projected to total $60 million each year. That money, which could be supplemented from other sources, would be awarded to nonprofit and for-profit contractors on a competitive basis through grants and loans. The contractors would perform services that include weatherizing buildings, installing appliance upgrades, and applying efficiency technology such as timers for lights and thermostats.
Lowering the jobless rate, cutting energy expenses and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions — in yet another low-cost government program!
